HSU Library Used Bookshop

Statement of Purpose

The Library Used Bookshop provides the primary mechanism by which the Library disposes of unwanted library materials that have been donated, or materials that were purchased by the Library, but are no longer needed in the collection. Library materials offered for sale through the shop include books, videos, maps, CDs, DVDs, and LPs, depending upon availability. Materials are offered for sale in the shop for a limited time, after which they will be sent for recycling or disposal, as appropriate.

Location & Hours

The shop has moved to L113 and is open during regular library hours in the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Library Used Bookshop?

The Used Bookshop provides an outlet for the Library to dispose of books and other library materials that are not needed for the Library collections, by offering them for sale to the campus and local communities at very reasonable prices.

Where is the bookshop located?

The shop is located in Library 113, around the corner from the portrait of Baron Alexander von Humboldt, to the right of the reference desk and reference collection.

When is the bookshop open?

The used bookshop is open anytime the Library is open during the fall and spring semesters when HSU classes are in session.

What sorts of items will I be able to find there?

That depends. Since sale items consist primarily of materials that were donated to the Library, we don’t have much control over our inventory. We also do not have time to maintain a list of the titles being offered for sale, but you will find materials covering a broad range of subjects and disciplines, as well as fiction.

How are the materials in the bookshop organized?

Most books are sorted into broad categories for your browsing. We also have a separate section for specially priced materials, where we offer more valuable items at somewhat higher, although still very reasonable, prices. As available, non-book materials, such as maps, CDs, videos, etc., are kept together by format.

How much do the items in the bookshop cost?

We do not have any set prices although we ask for donations of $1.00 for hardback books and 50¢ for paperbacks. Other specially priced materials are marked more.

How can I pay for my purchase?

There is a gray metal box attached to the Circulation counter near the entrance doors. Please place any donations in there. We accept either cash or check but, obviously, can not make change or take debit or credit cards.

Where does the money from the bookshop go?

All money earned in the bookshop goes into a Library trust fund, where it is used to purchase new books, and help support Library programs and events.

I saw an item that I would like to purchase, but don’t have the money with me to pay for it. Will you hold it for me?

No, we can't hold an item for you, but can only ask that you come by and pay for it when you do have the money for it. Remember that all funds raised help support the library.

Is the Library still going to have its annual booksale?

Probably not but it depends on how many books we get donated and how well this new model works for disposing items and raising money.

Why aren’t you going to have the annual booksale?

There are a number of good reasons why we believe the used bookshop will work better for the Library and the campus community than did the once-a-year sales that we have had in the past. Here are a few of them:

• By being open whenever the library is open, the bookshop will be much more convenient for our target audience… the HSU community.
• Operating the bookshop on an ongoing basis takes less time and is far less stressful for library personnel than the annual sale.
• HSU Campus Recycling Program personnel will be able to process unsold items throughout the year and will no longer be burdened with a glut of materials at the end of the annual sale, which created a huge logjam.
• We will no longer need to disrupt Library users and rearrange all of the furniture in the lobby to make room for the once-a-year sale.

What do you do with the books you aren’t able to sell?

After a reasonable period of time, we may, at our discretion, offer most unsold books and other items for free (look for the book cart labeled “Free” outside of Library 113 or in the lobby). Recyclable items that cannot otherwise be disposed of are sent to campus recycling.

Can I donate items to the Bookshop?

Yes! The Library is always willing to accept your donations of books, videos, CDs, etc., which will be added to the collection or offered for sale, depending upon our needs. So, think of us as you are cleaning up around your home or office. Those unwanted items that are collecting dust on your bookshelves just might find new life in the Library! Please see Giving to the Library for more information.

I have additional questions. Who can I speak with to get them answered?

You can contact the Library Dean Teresa Grenot at (707) 826-3441.

Please see The Lumberjack newspaper article on the Library's Bookshop published on November 4, 2009 for more information.